Baselworld is only a few weeks away. Getting the latest news is easy, Click Here for info on how to join the Watchuseek.com newsletter list. Follow our team for updates featuring event coverage, new product unveilings, watch industry news & more!

Additionally, the sets offer the new Advanced Contrast Enhancer PRO (ACE PRO) technology. ACE PRO, which features Sony’s own algorithm for local dimming, improves contrast and dynamic range by controlling the LED backlight level by area so that detail is maintained in the dark areas, while other areas are driven near peak brightness. The technology reduces unnecessary light emission resulting in true, deep blacks and reduced power consumption compared to conventional LED backlit models.

The models also feature BRAVIA Engine™ 2 PRO, which is Sony’s latest high quality picture processing technology and the company’s Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology.

Sony’s Motionflow technology allows you to enjoy movies and prime-time TV (film-based content) with exceptional clarity and resolution in motion. The Motionflow algorithm identifies film content and removes “judder” resulting in a clearer picture with smoother motion during sweeping pans without a visible jerking or stuttering. Additionally, Motionflow 120Hz technology creates 60 unique frames between each of the existing 60 frames, doubling the frames displayed per second, further improving images for fast action sports and other programming.

Rounding out the picture enhancement suite in the XBR8 is x.v.Color compatibility. This technology expands the potential color data range of video by about 1.8 times, resulting in the display of more natural and vivid colors similar to what the human eye can actually see. This complements Sony’s HD camcorder models and Blu-ray Disc players, which capture and display color range beyond what broadcasters currently deliver.

The models also feature Sony’s Digital Media Extender (DMeX), providing the ability to seamlessly add new features. DMeX allows users to connect optional expansion modules such as the BRAVIA DVD Link, the BRAVIA Wireless link, the BRAVIA Input Link, which will ship later this year, and the currently available BRAVIA Internet Video Link.

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link module attaches to the back of a selection of the Sony’s 2007 and 2008 BRAVIA LCD flat-panel television models. The service seamlessly streams on-demand entertainment including movies, TV programs, your favorite YouTube videos and a variety of other content not found on network or cable/satellite TV. The service connects to the Internet via your existing broadband Ethernet connection and streams content at no additional charge. Content is easily navigated with Sony’s Technical Emmy® award-winning Xross Media Bar (XMB)™ user interface.

Rounding out the feature set is Digital Media Port (DMP) compatibility, which provides access to video and music from portable media devices like compatible Walkman® and iPod® players and other DMP accessories, which are sold separately. The models also can display digital photos using creative multi-plane 3D graphics slideshows from USB devices, as well as access photos from your PC in another room using Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) compliant devices via your home network.

Sony’s new 3D Favorites Menu complement the XMB graphical user interface, which has been also been enhanced with Sony-unique integration of TV Guide providing easy access and navigation of content and menus through colorful thumbnails and logically placed icons.

Inputs found on the XBR8 models include four 1080/60 24p HDMI connections (HDCP), two 1080/60p HD component inputs, a 1080/60p-capable PC input, Ethernet (RJ-45) port and a RS-232C connection.

The model features an edge-lit wide color gamut LED backlight delivering exceptional color reproduction and detailed contrast and Sony’s Motionflow 120 Hz technology for exceptional clarity and resolution when viewing film or video content with motion.

Other features include Sony’s BRAVIA Engine 2, a single HDMI input and compatibility with Sony’s BRAVIA Wireless Link allowing users to stream high-definition content wirelessly to the monitor from high-definition sources such as a set-top cable or satellite tuner or Blu-ray Disc™ player.

Other optional accessories include a flat-matching speaker bar with four full-range speakers and two tweeters and a wall-hugging bracket that completes the stunning package.
No pricing announced.

The model also is compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Link modules providing the ability to seamlessly add new features. Optional expansion modules include the BRAVIA DVD Link, the BRAVIA Wireless link, the BRAVIA Input Link, which will ship later this year, and the currently available BRAVIA Internet Video Link.

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link module attaches to the back of a selection of Sony’s 2007 and 2008 BRAVIA LCD flat-panel television models. The service seamlessly streams on-demand entertainment including movies, TV programs, your favorite YouTube videos and a variety of other content not found on network or cable/satellite TV. The service connects to the Internet via your existing broadband Ethernet connection and streams content, much of which is avaialble at no additional charge Content is easily navigated with Sony’s Technical 2007 Emmy® award-winning Xross Media Bar (XMB)™ user interface.

Rounding out the feature set is Digital Media Port (DMP) compatibility, which provides access to video and music from portable media devices like compatible Walkman® and iPod® players and other DMP accessories, which are sold separately. The models also can display digital photos and play digital music using a creative multi-plane 3D graphics slideshows from USB devices, as well as access photos from your PC in another room using Digital Living Network Alliance® (DLNA)® compliant devices via your home network.

Sony’s new 3D Favorites Menu complements the XMB graphical user interface, which has also been enhanced with Sony-unique integration of TV Guide providing easy access and navigation of content and menus through colorful thumbnails and logically placed icons.

Inputs found on the KDL-52XBR7 include four 1080/60 24p HDMI™ connections (HDCP), two 1080/60p HD component inputs, a 1080/60p-capable PC input, and an Ethernet (RJ-45) port. No pricing announced.40" (out now)

The full HD 1080p XBR7-series includes the 70-inch KDL-70XBR7 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR7 models. With WCG-CCFL backlight, 10-bit processing and 10-bit panel, and ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuitry), the models deliver outstanding picture quality and elegant style only BRAVIA can deliver.

The KDL-70XBR7 features BRAVIA ENGINE 2 Pro digital video processing, while the KDL-40XBR7 offers BRAVIA ENGINE 2 EX. The models both feature Sony’s Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology and x.v.Color. Rounding out the feature set on these models is the new 3D Favorite Multi-plane graphics, XMB graphic interface with TV Guide, BRAVIA Sync, DMeX and DMP compatibility.

The XBR7 models also can display digital photos and play digital music from USB devices and photos from Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) compliant devices via your home network.

Complementing the full HD 1080p 32-inch class (31.5 inch diagonal) KDL-32XBR6 and 37-inch KDL-37XBR6 models previously announced, the full HD 1080p 52-inch KDL-52XBR6, 46-inch KDL-46XBR6 and the 40-inch KDL-40XBR6 models were also introduced today (all screen sizes measured diagonally). The models offer a space-saving bottom speaker, floating-glass industrial design and all of the features found in the KDL-40XBR7 except the RS-232C connection and BRAVIA ENGINE 2 EX(XBR6's come with BE 2).

All of the new XBR series models also offer the option of additional speaker grille color accents including silver, red, brown and gold. The optional color grilles can be purchased separately. XBR8 and XBR7 models ship with a black grille cover. The XBR6 ships with a silver grille cover. Additional grille covers are sold separately.

Z-Series (out now)
With an elegant slim bezel, the full HD 1080p 40-inch KDL-40Z4100 and 46-inch KDL-46Z4100 models (all measured diagonally) feature the new BRAVIA Engine™ 2, Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology, x.v.Color, WCG-CCFL backlight with ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuitry) and 10-bit processing with a 10-bit panel. Both models are also DMeX and DMP compatible, while offering the USB digital music and photo player.

Motionflow creates 60 unique frames between each of the existing 60 frames, doubling the frames displayed per second in real-time, further improving images for fast action sports and other programming. The technology dramatically eliminates motion artifacts (“judder”) while watching content filmed at 24 frames-per-second. While watching DVDs, broadcast movies or prime-time television shows, you can enjoy all the fast-moving detail.

Enhancing the BRAVIA picture further is x.v.Color compatibility. This technology expands the potential color data range of video by about 1.8 times, resulting in the display of more natural and vivid colors similar to what the human eye can actually see. This complements Sony’s HD camcorder models, which capture color range beyond what broadcasters currently deliver.

The new televisions also include Sony’s BRAVIA® Sync™ one-button command, which integrates the operation of the TV with supporting external components connected via an HDMI™ input. Through a simple click of the remote, you can easily view a Blu-ray Disc™ movie, listen to surround sound audio via an AV receiver, and control other components like a Sony Handycam® camcorder -- all over a single HDMI cable (sold separately) connection.

The full HD 1080p 120Hz W-series includes the 52-inch KDL-52W4100, 46-inch KDL-46W4100 and 40-inch KDL-40W4100 models. The models feature the new 3D graphic interface, BRAVIA Sync, DMeX and DMP compatibility. Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology has also been added to the new W-series models.

N-Series (out now)
Sony’s premium N-series was designed with audio in mind. The new model offers 37, 32, and 26-inch screen sizes and features a slick cosmetic design that can complement PlayStation 3® and other gaming consoles. In addition to delivering 720p HD resolution, the KDL-37N4000 and KDL-32N4000 models feature integrated 5.1 audio, while the KDL-26N4000 unit offers integrated 3.1 audio with a subwoofer built into the stand and matching full-range speakers. The models also have DMP compatibility for matching with portable music devices.

M-Series (out now)
There are four new models in Sony’s entry-level M-series with screen sizes of 19, 26, 32, and 37 inches. They offer high-definition picture quality at attractive prices. The KDL-26M4000, KDL-32M4000 and KDL-37M4000 models all feature 720p HD resolution.

The 19-inch KDL-19M4000 unit offers a 1440 x 900 progressive screen resolution. It features an HDMI, component and PC input, while the other M-series models offer two HDMI and component inputs along with a PC input.

To those with experience with Sony new product releases, when they say "Spring" do they mean March, June, or what we normally would call "Fall?" I'm pretty psyched for these, but would like to know whether to wait it out (March) or not (September).

Here's hoping the 40"+ XBR6/7's are LED driven. I was really expecting it to be the new 1080p, but they're still trying to milk 120Hz for another year apparently. Looks like we'll be lucky if a handful of the manufacturers even have a single LED model line by late Fall.

To those with experience with Sony new product releases, when they say "Spring" do they mean March, June, or what we normally would call "Fall?" I'm pretty psyched for these, but would like to know whether to wait it out (March) or not (September).

spring looks practiticle since samsung is saying march for their new line up. i'm sure not every one of these new tv's will be released in spring, some might be delayed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orta

Here's hoping the 40"+ XBR6/7's are LED driven. I was really expecting it to be the new 1080p, but they're still trying to milk 120Hz for another year apparently. Looks like we'll be lucky if a handful of the manufacturers even have a single LED model line by late Fall.

Z-series just seems to be the expected annual re-badging of the XBR4/5, but you're probably right, the fact that the 32/37 XBR6 doesn't is probably telling. Last years March/April release of the 32XBR4 DID have the 120Hz hook like its bigger brothers I get the impression they're devoting most of their R&D resources to OLED and kind of throwing in the towel on LCD with these marginal updates.

The XBR6 isn't the upgrade to the XBR4 and 5? It's the Z series??? I'm confused.

It seems the Z-series effectively is the XBR 4 and 5--unless they took the route of Samsung's re-badged 71's and included a 4 ms panel. I imagine larger XBR6/7's are still coming in the fall as their flagship line, but if they're not adding LED lighting, I have no idea how they'll differentiate them from the Z's. Perhaps they're saving the 4 ms panels and perhaps an updated Bravia Engine 3.0 that uses Cell processor for video processing like Toshiba.

XBR (X Series) was not always the top of the line. For those who know well the Z series. Sony produce that serie only in Japan and in Europe few years ago.

And be honest with you guy I can't wait! To see that Series to come here in North America, I'll get one right away! It's a unique Serie that never come back every year. It's like the Qualia Line. Except the Qualia line come with Triluminous (Tri-LED).

I think the xbr's are the top of the line, just the bigger models dont come out till later on in the year. You will see like last yr and the yr before, the smaller xbr's came out first and the the bigger models came out around august.

You will notice that there are no models bigger than 46 inches. Sony usually talks about their tvs in february, this was just a sneak peak. just you wait.

Everyone is saying how much they like the look of the new models. I think it makes the new line look like the all the other manufactures. Sony always had a distinct look alla Apple. I wasn't crazy about the glass bezel but you knew what tv you where looking at right away. It gave it a little more of a "wow" factor. just my 2cents.
Love the forum.

Hmm - maybe the XBR 6/7 will have the glass bezel, and if not it's a shame for these are so Toshiba, ect. Notwithstanding pic quality complements, I get a lot of complements also on just the glass bezel - it just looks great w/out the panel ever being on.

Shame if it's not back in some fashion IMO - and yes where is Sony going these days w/LCD..? What ever happened w/Sony leading the pack w/some proprietary tech [IE: Trintron]. I douby OLED will his the mainstream 40” and > range w/out being very $$$, but perhaps the “Nano-tube” tech that they have been working on will.